Dear Students,

You have likely heard that the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has voted to give the union a strike mandate. Understandably, you will have questions about what this means for you.

Please note, a strike mandate does not mean a strike will happen. Rather, a strike mandate means that the union leaders have the approval from its membership to choose to strike if they are dissatisfied with the progression of negotiations. The university bargaining team remains committed to working hard to reach a new agreement.

In the meantime, please be assured that the university is continuing with normal operations – including all COVID-19 protocols – to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and community. You can continue to join us on campus, as you have been this term, for your required classes, labs and other activities.

We will share as much information with you as possible, as soon as it becomes available. Any updates affecting students will be communicated to you directly from me in emails such as this one. For current and past updates, and general information, please visit our Bargaining Information webhttps://www.umanitoba.ca/bargaining/#bargaining-updates page under “Bargaining Updates.”

The university remains committed to your education and well-being. If you are experiencing difficulties, supportshttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/resources-students#personal-supports-for-students are available to you. If you need help with academicshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising, your financeshttps://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards or have health and wellness concerns, there are staff committed to providing student advocacyhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy/case-management, supporting your emotional wellnesshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-emotional-wellness-covid-19, offering spiritual carehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/spiritual-services and morehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports.

As our university president, Michael Benarroch, said in his messagehttps://news.umanitoba.ca/bargaining-to-continue-following-umfa-strike-mandate/?utm_source=umanitoba.ca&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=Home yesterday, your resilience and patience are truly appreciated as the university and UMFA work on a collective agreement to support stability in operations; an outstanding educational experience for you, our students, and in providing fairness to our faculty members.

I will write to you with further updates as soon as possible.

All my best,

Laurie Schnarr

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her)

Vice-Provost (Students)

Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

University of Manitoba

208 Administration Building

Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

Tel: 204.474.6919

Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies@umanitoba.camailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca: 204.474.6917

Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success!

I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change.

Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner.

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